About Us

Everybody needs a great lawyer to take care of them sometimes. Gallo LLP cares deeply about its clients. We serve businesses, executives, and consumers alike, making winning arguments privately and in state and federal courts. Our results speak for themselves. See our awards and testimonials below. Our partners' lifetime winning percentage in cases tried to verdict exceeds 87% and our plaintiffs' recoveries exceed $100 million.

How can we serve you?

(The results of these cases depended upon their unique facts and the law applicable to them. These outcomes do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of the outcome of any other matter or matters. They do, however, reflect something about our judgment as to when to go to trial, instead of settling, and our ability to achieve the anticipated result when we do go to trial.)

This website constitutes a "Communication" within the meaning of California Rule of Professional Conduct 1-400, in that it is a "message or offer made by or on behalf of a member [of the California State Bar] concerning the availability for professional employment of a member or a law firm directed to any former, present, or prospective client." See our website Notices, Terms, and Conditions for additional information.

Practice Areas

We have focused primarily on business litigation, including contract matters and business torts, since 1994. Our clients range from entrepreneurial individuals and businesses to Fortune 1000 companies and their "Chief" level executives. Most are middle-market businesses seeking a great relationship with a highly skilled and effective lawyer—someone who can understand and empathize with their problems and deliver smart solutions.

Our clients are repeat customers because we provide consistently excellent results and service. In fact, because of the way we do business, most of our clients become friends, and most of our friends become clients.

Our business clients are smart. They know the difference between marketing and fraud, and they win fairly. We think the businesses they compete with should play fairly too. In our consumer class action practice—which routinely involves cases worth tens of millions of dollars—we most recently have been litigating fraud claims against for-profit vocational schools. We believe these schools sometimes sell "a better income through education" but deliver only entry-level jobs and unmanageable student debt. Other cases we
prosecute for the greater good have involved mislabeled foods and drugs, wage and hour violations, and online scams.

Are you are facing criminal charges? Have you received a grand jury subpoena? If so, you want a lawyer who has experience on both sides of the prosecutor’s desk.

At Gallo LLP, we specialize in defending executives, corporations and private individuals in federal and state criminal cases, with a superb record in defense trials. We also represent subjects and witnesses in grand jury proceedings, and in matters brought by federal or state regulatory agencies. Andrew Cowan, a Partner at Gallo LLP and a former federal fraud prosecutor, has 15 years of U.S. Justice Department experience under his belt. He understands how prosecutors use their discretion to charge some cases and not others. Andrew knows how to negotiate with the government, on your behalf, to prevent criminal charges from being filed against you or your company. A seasoned courtroom lawyer, he will gladly take your case to trial if that is your best option. Ray Gallo’s criminal defense experience is limited to volunteer prosecutions and perhaps 10 criminal defense cases. But he’ll tell you he doesn’t think there’s a criminal defense lawyer out there with a better record of results on the cases he handles. And, so far, he’s batting 1,000 in criminal defense trials.

Our firm will aggressively investigate the facts of your case, pursue all available defenses, and vigorously defend your rights under the law. No firm cares more about you or the results you get.

Gallo LLP conducts confidential internal investigations on behalf of companies when wrongdoing is suspected in the ranks. An internal investigation is a strategy for uncovering employee misconduct and responding to charges that may prove to be baseless. Andrew Cowan, a Partner at Gallo LLP, is a former federal prosecutor and a licensed private investigator. He has conducted numerous internal investigations at companies including financial institutions, investment funds, health care providers, manufacturers and technology companies. In many cases, his investigations revealed that the companies had been the victims of disloyal employees who had embezzled funds or stolen trade secrets. When a firm itself is suspected of wrongdoing, an effective internal investigation can help convince prosecutors and regulators not to bring charges.

The list of Ray Gallo's satisfied executive clients speaks for itself. Current and former "Chief" level executives from some of the finest companies in the country choose Ray as a trusted partner, companies like Starwood Hotels, Mars, Reed Elsevier, and Trammel Crow, as well as numerous senior executives from middle-market firms. Most of these matters are confidential. Please see our Testimonials section for a few non-confidential examples. Ray's consistent ability to negotiate win-win transactions is evidenced by his repeat clients and testimonials. Can we help you?

Ray Gallo's ability to negotiate win-win deals, general business savvy, and success as a trial lawyer combine to make him an excellent general counselor to any business. As litigators, we at Gallo LLP know how deals go bad. As negotiators, we create deals that maximize opportunities for successful business relationships while minimizing the risk of future litigation.

In addition, Gallo LLP attorney Tracy Tormey offers years of in-house experience managing employment, corporate governance, contract, insurance, and other matters at a $200M middle market company, in addition to her years of traditional corporate and securities transactional experience.

Tsyn v. Wells Fargo

Results

Bottoni v. Sallie Mae

In Bottoni v. Sallie Mae, Gallo LLP successfully removed an estimated $76 million in "collection charges" from the student loan obligations of approximately 40,000 Californians.

Amador v. California Culinary Academy

In Amador v. California Culinary Academy, Gallo LLP recovered $40 Million from parent company Career Education Corporation based on allegations that students were misled to believe they would become chefs and earn chef wages, and based on allegedly misleading job placement rates that included jobs that were readily available without a culinary degree, and that paid wages so low students could not hope to live and make their student loan payments.

Vasquez v. California School of Culinary Arts

In Vasquez v. CSCA, Gallo LLP represented 1,400 individual victims alleging fraud by the California School of Culinary Arts and its parent company Career Education Corporation. A few Gallo LLP clients initially recovered a total of two million dollars in statutory settlement offers by CECO. Those who held out as advised ultimately recovered more. Read about our work and this settlement in The Atlantic.

Gallo LLP’s pioneering development of software to automate and facilitate smaller-claim mass actions has made justice economically possible where it wasn’t before. Using LeverageTM
mass action software, the firm successfully has prosecuted more than 1,000 cases for clients whose claims previously were impossible to vindicate. Leverage is available to well-qualified lawyers through affiliate Gallo Digital
(www.gallodigital.com)
or through joint ventures with Gallo LLP.

Today’s U.S. Supreme Court may not care whether legal wrongs have practical remedies. But we do.

Testimonials

I had the unfortunate experience of having to defend a professional liability case against Mr. Gallo. I say 'unfortunate' because he obtained a jury verdict for his client, and against my client, in excess of $600,000. Mr. Gallo was always professional, extremely well prepared, and extremely tenacious, in the representation of his client. If I ever have cause to file a lawsuit against someone because I feel I have been wronged, he will be the first person I contact to represent me.

James Fraser

AIG

Ray Gallo represents me personally in all my business matters. Over the years, he has always met or exceeded my expectations.

James P. Clarke

Chief Executive Officer, QVC China

Ray Gallo was a savvy advisor and a highly effective negotiator when I chose to leave my last executive position and again when I accepted my current one. He took care of my interests and built very effective relationships at the same time. I now consider Ray to be a friend and will call him first whenever I need a lawyer.

Todd Lachman

Global President, Mars Petcare

Amazing lawyers and negotiators.

Keith E. Ferrazzi

CEO, Ferrazzi Greenlight, Inc

I knew I had a good lawyer when I hired Ray. But halfway through the trial, the Judge leaned down from the bench and said to me: "You've got a great lawyer."

Timothy Boyd-Smith

Business Development, Matchpower.com

Every time I've sent a problem to Gallo, they have resolved it expeditiously, inexpensively, and quite favorably.

Tad Smith

CEO, Sotheby’s

I would recommend Gallo to any executive. They did a terrific job of enforcing my old employment contract and were very helpful in negotiating my new one.

Bret Hadley

CEO, Lynx Grills, Inc

I highly recommend Gallo to anyone in search of a professional, highly dedicated and committed attorney. I found Ray Gallo's style straight-forward and honest in his assessment of my legal situation. Ray and Tony Jensen worked diligently in securing the best strategy to protect my interests. I was completely satisfied with the results of our business relationship and will use Gallo again.

CJ Meurell

Vice President & GM, Mobility

Gallo did a terrific job of negotiating and preparing our initial funding agreement on the very best terms available.

Michael Jones

President, InterSatCom

Ray Gallo is one of California's most talented trial lawyers. Ray out-thinks, out-strategizes, and out-negotiates the opponent at every stage of a case. And when it comes to a trial, his courtroom skills and savvy are unparalleled. I recommend him highly to anyone with a serious, high-stakes legal problem.

Anton Jensen

Attorney, Hennelly & Grossfeld LLP

Gallo's persistence and toughness in pursuing my litigation goals, at a very reasonable cost to me, were remarkable. Ray Gallo's cross-examination skills were noteworthy even to a litigation veteran like me.

Peter Cavanagh

President, Plantica Environmental Corporation

. . . Very good results for our company at a reasonable cost.

Max Sun

CEO, Celestial Based Communications

Ray and I were opposing counsel in a very hard-fought litigation. I found Ray to be very intelligent and diligent. Our relationship was always courteous and professional. Since that case ended, Ray and I have referred clients to each other and remain in frequent contact. I have no hesitation in recommending Ray as an attorney and counselor.

Frank Polek

Attorney at Law

Over the past seven years, Gallo has advised the company on a broad range of legal and business issues . . . I have always found them to be diligent, innovative, aggressive, and business-like in protecting our interests.

Jeffrey C. Bachmann

CEO, Compex (Retired)

Ray is an extraordinary and unique individual. It was amazing to watch and listen while he did his thing at my arbitration hearing. I was in awe. I couldn't have asked for anyone more remarkable. I am so appreciative for everything Ray and his team did for me. Gallo LLP represented me with such confidence, character, strength, and style that I will be forever grateful.

Sabyne Francis

Client

Ray is a responsive, solution providing attorney focused on the most efficient use of his and his clients' time. He provides his clients with a cost-effective, smart path to resolving their legal issues. He has provided great guidance to me in matters of contracts, litigation, and labor in a variety of industries. It is always a pleasure working with Ray, as he is focused on resolving matters not on complicating them in the name of generating legal fees. Ray can be effective in both large and small matters.

Scott Smith

Client

Ray has represented me more than once, each time as an expert negotiator and excellent legal resource. He is always my first recommendation for corporate advisory and contract matters.

Alana Aldag

CEO at The Thiel Foundation

I found Ray Gallo to be the consummate professional in my dealings with him. Ray was smart, pragmatic and most efficient in helping obtain a favorable resolution of the dispute we had for his clients. Thank you.

Frank Gooch

Opposing Counsel

Ray and I were representing clients who were adversaries in a lawsuit. I found Ray to be an insightful, principled lawyer who remained a gentlemen while vigorously pursuing his client's position. He has exceptional common sense and a wonderful personality. His ability to understand both sides of the dispute make him a formidable adversary. If I ever needed a lawyer for myself or knew someone that required a referral, Ray would be at the top of my list.

Gregg Martin

Partner, Hamburg, Karic, Edwards & Martin LLP, Opposing Counsel

Ray is a great negotiator and understands how to get his clients the best possible deal in the shortest possible time. Honest, professional and very smart.

Olin Hyde

Entrepreneur

I met Ray when he represented my client's opposition in a lawsuit. Ray got a good result for his clients, and was knowledgeable, diligent and highly professional. It is not often a lawyer can recommend someone first met as opposing counsel, but I can unreservedly recommend Ray.

Steven Schneider

Partner, Mitchell, Silberberg & Knupp LLP, Opposing Counsel

Ray was retained by one of my clients for an important lawsuit. Thanks to his hard work the client was able to secure a favorable result.

Steve Sereboff

Partner, SoCal IP Law Group LLP

Ray Gallo is a brilliant and learned attorney who has done an excellent and studied job of the legal work he has done for our companies. I wholeheartedly support him.

Roy Eddleman

CEO, Spectrum Labs

Ray has represented my company, Interland, in several litigation matters and we have always been happy with his responsiveness and the results we've achieved. I would be happy to recommend him.

Jonathan Wilson

General Counsel, Interland

Ray has been invaluable to me both as my attorney and as a general business advisor. He is both smart and aggressive. I value our relationship.

Erik Lars Hansen

Owner at Hansen Music Productions

Trust is everything. I trust Gallo.

Rusty Miller

Tennis Professional

Gallo LLP represented me and a few thousand other victims of a vocational school fraud, and achieved an unprecedented $40 million settlement. Over the five years of hard work required, Ray Gallo was responsive, dedicated, smart, and sometimes even selfless in his efforts to force the other side to make it right. I will always be grateful for the hard work and great results. I recommend Gallo wholeheartedly.

Matt Foist

Client

Gallo LLP represented me in a class action challenging a student lender's assessment of excessive collection charges against more than 40,000 Californians. Dominic Valerian and Ray Gallo were thorough, hard-working, and dedicated throughout more than three years of litigation and ultimately recovered an estimated $76 million in debt relief and refunds for the class.

Angelo Bottoni

Client

I am the CEO of Compex Legal services. I have worked extensively with Ray on various matters ranging from debt settlement to employee issues over the last three years. Ray is one of the smartest lawyers i have met--and I have worked with many lawyers in my career. His advice is always valuable. He is a great negotiator and is fun to work with. I recommend him highly.

In class actions, heated battles can result when attorneys communicate with members of a putative (yet to be certified) class. Communications during the notice period – after the class has received notice of the proposed class settlement but before the opt-out/claims period ends – are particularly sensitive.

DIFFERENT INTERESTS
Three different groups of lawyers may want to communicate with putative class members during the notice period: defense counsel, competing plaintiffs counsel, and provisionally appointed class counsel…

The hyper-scrutiny of the entertainment world has grown increasingly common in the world of board rooms and corporate executives.

Top talents in the business and entertainment worlds have recently suffered the consequences of real and/or perceived moral and ethical transgressions. The examples of Boeing’s Harry Stonecipher (consensual love affair is- sues) and fashion icon Kate Moss (substance abuse issues) show that business must confront and respond to a range of controversial personal conduct by its stars…

Today many workers increasingly define themselves by what they do, and they are spending more and more time at they office. Couple that with the advent of email, cell phones, BlackBerrys, and pagers, and it seems that many of today’s workers are practically never “off the clock”.

Workplace romances have thus emerged as a hot issue in privacy law, and the courts are increasingly being called on to determine the extent to which employers can regulate the private sexual lives of their employees. The question is complex, and with relationships and careers on the line, the stakes are often high…

Boards have proven more willing to sack underperforming CEOs lately, but before taking this ultimate step, directors must ask themselves a few questions. What does our CEO’s contract actually say about dismissal? Can we truly find better leadership than we have now? How can we craft a new CEO agreement to avoid the same problems (and assure better results)?

Suddenly, it seems like open season on high-profile CEOs. Hank Greenberg at AIG . . . Michael Eisner at Disney… Carly Fiorina at Hewlett-Packard… Harry Stonecipher at Boeing. Others, too, have been fired by their boards for reasons ranging from regulatory investigations to poor performance to sex with a co-worker…

If you have been reluctant to address the need for a written employment agreement, that may be because you’re a decent, honest, hardworking person who deals in good faith and only wants to deal with similar people. Perhaps you’re happy having a handshake deal with someone you trust. Or perhaps you have no confidence in your ability to handle the process, and so you avoid it.

Good leaders are trustworthy, and often are trusting in nature. They deal in good faith. They give people the benefit of the doubt until experience teaches them that a particular person is not to be trusted, or until experience makes them cynical. And then, as they should, they lament their cynicism…

Andrew S. Cowan

Andrew Cowan is a former federal prosecutor now specializing in white-collar criminal defense and civil litigation. A veteran courtroom lawyer, Andrew has investigated, litigated, and supervised complex civil and criminal matters for over 20 years. In seven years as an Assistant United States Attorney in Los Angeles, Andrew successfully prosecuted numerous cases involving fraud and public corruption. He began his career clerking for a federal judge in Los Angeles before serving as a trial attorney at the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice in Washington DC. He left government service to take a senior position at a prominent global private investigations firm, where he was responsible for investigating cases involving fraud, embezzlement, theft of trade secrets, and computer crimes. As a client of Andrew’s, you will benefit from the criminal, civil, and investigative experience that give him a unique perspective. He knows how to find and present the crucial evidence to make or defend your case – while devastating the other side. With meticulous preparation, vigorous advocacy, and sound strategic judgment, Mr. Cowan will take your case to trial if he cannot first negotiate a favorable outcome.

A licensed private investigator and member of the California State Bar, Andrew graduated with honors from Yale University and the University of Southern California Law Center. His Public Corruption Blog analyzes current corruption cases and related legal developments.

Ray E. Gallo

Ray has dedicated his professional life to protecting the interests of his clients, large and small. He has negotiated numerous win-win deals for clients of all kinds, and has amassed a stunning winning percentage at trial (more than 85% of cases tried to verdict), reflecting not only his skills as a litigator but also his dedication to careful preparation, determination, and judgment about when to compromise. That credibility translates into negotiated results. Ray’s settlement results exceed $100 million. He achieved these results in consumer fraud, legal malpractice, corporate fraud, and other matters. He avoids needless disagreements and the associated expense by being reasonable and likeable. His results and approach are reflected by his clients' loyalty, his many friendships with his former adversaries, and the referrals he regularly receives from both.

Ray is supported by truly cutting-edge technology (backed by our affiliate Gallo Digital and its software engineering team) and a team of talented and dedicated young lawyers and paralegals. Originally focused solely on representing businesses and executives, Ray now focuses significant effort on representing consumers in class and mass actions alleging large scale fraud, employees, and other victims of large scale wrongdoing. He also continues to handle professional liability cases and to act as outside general counsel to entrepreneurial and middle market businesses.

Ray is a graduate of Yale University and the UCLA School of Law. He has been listed in Martindale Hubbell's Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers since 1999, and enjoys a "10" rating from AVVO.com. He was repeatedly selected as a "rising star" in Los Angeles Magazine's "Super Lawyers" edition. Ray was originally trained in litigation at, and associated with, Crosby Heafey Roach & May (now Reed Smith).

Tracy Tormey

Tracy Tormey was trained and became an equity partner at Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP, an AmLaw 200 law firm specializing in M&A and other corporate and securities matters. Tracy followed ten years of big firm experience with ten years as the in-house general counsel and chief administrative officer at EMAK Worldwide, a middle-market marketing services company with more than 400 employees and $200 million in worldwide revenue. Tracy provides a wealth of practical knowledge across the corporate administration and deal-making spectrum, including business affairs, M&A, securities compliance, corporate product integrity, corporate governance, human resources, information technology, internal audit, investor relations, office administration, risk management, and international growth strategies and issues.

Tracy holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from UC Davis and a JD (cum laude) from Pepperdine University School of Law.

Dominic Valerian

Dominic Valerian litigates commercial and large-scale consumer cases. Since joining Gallo LLP in 2009, his focus has been on vindicating the rights of consumers, employees, and businesses in fraud and breach of contract matters. Dominic’s recent work included:

Representing trade school graduates in fraud actions arising from their former for-profit vocational schools' sales and marketing practices;

Representing executives and professionals in breach of contract and fraud actions against former partners and employers;

Pursuing fraud and statutory claims against retailers on behalf of consumers who did not receive what they were promised;

Defending a client from an investment bank's lawsuit seeking a contingent fee for a transaction that produced no economic benefit;

Before coming to Gallo LLP, Dominic was a litigation associate in the Los Angeles office of the international law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf, where he defended commercial cases on behalf of Fortune 500 companies and oversaw his office's pro bono program. With his big firm training and experience Dominic has the skills, knowledge, and confidence to get results for his clients no matter who's on the other side of the table.

Dominic grew up in Oakland and plays first base for the Ninth Circuit's softball team. He is a graduate of UC Davis and the University of Southern California Law Center.

Samantha enjoyed a full scholarship throughout her legal education at the University of Akron School of Law, where she graduated magna cum laude in May 2012, served on the editorial board for the Akron Law Review, and competed in Moot Court. Samantha also holds Bachelor of Science degrees in microbiology from the University of Alabama and computer science from the Oregon State University. She is also a registered patent attorney.

Amanda McCarthy

Amanda McCarthy was born in San Francisco but spent her childhood living in countries throughout the Middle East and Africa. After completing high school in Bahrain, she returned “home” to attend the University of California, Berkeley. Influenced by her international upbringing, Amanda earned her bachelor’s degree with a major in Development Studies and a minor in Peace and Conflict Studies. She graduated from UC Berkeley in 2010 with highest honors and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society. Amanda joined our team in 2014, leaving a career in retail management. When not busy making our office spin, Amanda enjoys golf, basketball, surfing, hiking, and baking.

Marc van Anda

After a career of sharing his enthusiasm for cycling with retail customers and a stint in solar construction logistics, Marc earned a paralegal certificate and joined Gallo LLP in 2011. He enjoys interviewing prospective clients, explaining mass litigation issues, and helping the firm use computer technology to advocate for consumers. He has a B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley.

Warren Stramiello

A computer scientist as well as an attorney, Warren Stramiello focuses his practice on clients seeking help with technology-related matters, including compliance, investigations, advisement and litigation.

Represented large technology-sector company on multiple patent infringement cases with threatened damages exceeding half a billion dollars; work included working closely on cross-functional team with client’s legal and engineering groups on design-arounds.

Counselled a large technology-sector company on organic and inorganic IP portfolio development; worked with client to develop methodology to partially automate the review and assessment of thousands of patents held in client and non-client portfolios for both defensive and offensive purposes; performed in-depth analyses of dozens of portfolios; assisted client in purchase negotiations, including assisting with drafting purchase agreements.

Represented a major technology company in SEC investigation related to technology matters.

Advised a large technology-sector company on data breach, data security best practices, regulatory compliance, and privacy issues involved in a transition from a fully in-house IT infrastructure to a partially-outsourced cloud-based structure.

Assisting the New York Justice Resource Center, pro bono, with developing a computer security and forensics curriculum for New York high schools; current work includes drafting chapters of a textbook covering current cyberlaw regime including privacy issues (HIPAA, Gramm-Leach-Bliley, etc.), breach notifications, torts and other issues.

represented a family sued by their former landlord for defamation after blogging about the conditions of the rental;

advised college students on fair use and the DMCA regarding critique videos;

coached and mentored the Aviation High School Mock Trial and Moot Court teams;

helped a public housing resident maintain his housing eligibility;

represented an abused mother in a trial to regain custody of her child from the abuser; and

defended a worker, who intervened to protect a female co-worker from an assault, against a civil case brought by the assailant.

Education

Warren earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology, graduating with highest honors. While at Georgia Tech, he coached and competed on the Georgia Tech Mock Trial Team, winning numerous outstanding attorney awards at both Regionals and Nationals, and was selected for the All-American Team at the 2003-2004 Mock Trial Nationals.

Warren received his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, and was elected to the Order of the Coif. He founded the UCLA Law School Mock Trial Team, was a managing editor of the Law Review, a senior articles editor on the Journal of Law and Technology, and won the first-year Moot Court competition. During law school, Warren continued his involvement in computer security, including speaking at conferences on steganography and watermarking.

Technology Experience

Warren has extensive professional experience in many areas of computer science including communications, cryptography, databases, networks, operating systems, security, software and steganography. He worked as a system and security administrator at the Georgia Tech Research Institute from 1999 through 2003, where he received a Department of Defense Secret clearance and was responsible for both system and network security, as well as for designing, building and maintaining cluster-based supercomputers.

Admissions

Mr. Stramiello is a member of the Bar of the State of New York. He is admitted to practice before the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern District of New York.